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Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration focuses on preparing registered nurses to address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities. Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 31 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average for all occupations. Rural areas, particularly in the counties surrounding SMWC —Parke, Clay, Greene, and Sullivan — are currently lacking in full-time nurse practitioners.

Earning a master’s degree in three years and becoming a family nurse practitioner will help address this need. Upon program completion, graduates will be eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). This part-time program gives students the flexibility to work toward advancing their career while meeting family and professional responsibilities.

Highlights

  • Students attend face-to-face classes on campus one day a week
  • Students take one class every eight weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Summer classes will only be taken during years two and three.
  • Books are included in the total cost of the program. Students have the option to opt-out and purchase books from a different vendor. If students choose to opt-out and purchase their own books, they are responsible for the cost.
  • The program requires the completion of 44 credit hours
  • Small classes allow students to interact with fellow nurses and receive mentoring from expert faculty
  • The program requires learning hands-on with 500 clinical hours which focus on family, women and children, and mental health conditions. Two hundred of the clinical hours are during a residency to allow for extensive learning in the outpatient primary care setting.

How will MSN benefit me?

Rooted in the strong foundation of liberal arts, science, and Catholic education, graduates of the Master of Science in nursing are expected to demonstrate the following outcomes:

  • Utilize effective communication and collaboration skills through oral, written and technology media with patients, nursing colleagues and interprofessional team members.
  • Promote holistic health, including spiritual well-being, through the support of wellness and health related activities for self and patients.
  • Guard patient safety through critical thinking, information technology, data analysis and risk management strategies.
  • Provide effective, culturally sensitive and compassionate nursing care through the use of the nursing process that is supported by current, evidence-based research as indicated by educational preparation and scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership and management abilities through the competent coordination of patient care across the health care continuum.
  • Advocate for social justice through the promotion of access, resources, quality health care and prudent health policies.
  • Exhibit professionalism through upholding the values, ethics, and standards of nursing.

MSN Admissions Requirements:

  • Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of a 3.0/4.0 or higher on any undergraduate work
  • Cumulative GPA of a 3.0/4.0 or higher on any graduate work
  • Must have current unencumbered license as a registered nurse
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript of all collegiate work (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional or academic experience
  • A current résumé
  • Personal career statement (limit 500 words)
  • Must pass a background check or provide a current background check

MSN/FNP requires 44 credit hours of coursework and 500 clinical hours. It is designed according to the educational guidelines of the American Association of Colleges in Nursing and The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. The curriculum offers a focus in social justice.

MSN Curriculum

(44 credit hours)

Required Courses

NU 511Health Care Policy and Advocacy

3
NU 513Pathophysiology for Advance Practice Nursing

3
NU 517Theories for Advanced Practice

3
NU 519Pharmacology for Advance Practice Nursing

3
NU 522Statistical Analysis for Health Care

3
NU 525Advanced Physical Assessment

3
NU 526Research for Evidence-Based Practice

3
NU 528Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostics

2
NU 535Clinical Management of Mental Health Needs of the Individual and Family

2
NU 544Nurse Practitioner Review

1
NU 545Clinical Management of Developing Families

5
NU 546FNP Seminar

2
NU 548Healthcare Informatics

2
NU 555Clinical Management of Adults and Geriatric Patients

5
NU 565Primary Care Residency

2
NU 566Evidence-Based Best Practice Project

2

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